Now in their 5th year, the awards were sponsored by Leeds Metropolitan University, Birse Civils and YOR Civils/YOR Consult. All award winners go through to the the Constructing Excellence National Awards, which will be held in November.
For the second year running, the awards were hosted by Chris Barrie who starred in Red Dwarf and the Britas Empire. Most recently he presented Massive Machines. Chris was back by popular demand and certainly kept us laughing all night.
Testamonials
‘Wates Living Space were delighted to attend the Y&H Best Practice Awards and were thrilled to win the award for Leadership and People Development. As an organisation, our commitment to people development is second to none, which is reflected in our industry-leading staff turnover and retention rates.
This award is testament to the commitment of our people throughout Yorkshire and Humberside and is just commendation of their exceptional efforts in developing and nurturing talent within Wates.
We would like to extend our thanks to Construction Sector Network for hosting an outstanding event and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.’
Beverley Grey, Business Development Manager, Wates
The winners were:
Integration and Collaborative Working Award – Construction Yorkshire for their work at Leeds Arena
The Judges were genuinely impressed by the overall approach taken by Construction Yorkshire in addressing all aspects of the submission criteria – they do what it say’s on the tin!! The final results of their involvement in this on-going project have yet to be determined, however, given the effect the team have already had on the project involving local companies and providing apprenticeships, this could be already challenging for a place at next year’s awards!!
Leadership & People Development Award – Wates Living Space
Wates Living Space were chosen as the winner of the Leadership & People Development category because of their commitment to continuous improvement both for their staff and the communities in which they operates in. They are very much a people orientated company – becoming one of the first company’s in the UK to achieve ‘Investors in People Accreditation’ – moreover, it is clear that they do not just pay lip service to this accreditation, but implement the ethos throughout the entire company.
The Legacy Award- Sustainability – Lovell Partneship for Pavillion Gardens, Bradford
The judges felt this project went over and above the usual offering of sustainable technologies as it included significant social, training, health & safety benefits. The project also achieved a level of sustainability on a scale that has not been readily achieved elsewhere and hence this project should be used as a blueprint for many others to follow. Although a very hotly contested category with the most number of entries yet again, the judges felt this scheme was a worthy winner as it provided the first Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 project in Yorkshire & Humber.
The SME Award – New World Joinery
The judges were impressed by the quality of all this year’s submissions however in their opinion one company stood out as having recognised the potential for improving their business through implementing best practice. By incorporating a programme of mentorship and personnel development reviews, introducing new ways of working prompted by their own staff, extending their accreditations and training, and striving to become market leaders, New World Joinery made best practice and safety their goal and succeeded. Within 12 months, they turned a company struggling with market pressures into a successful organisation with an enviable client base.
Innovation Award – East Riding of Yorkshire, Hedon Inmans Primary School.
The judges were impressed by the way this project had been subjected to a new, more holistic approach and had been carefully developed using innovative ‘green’ building technology, and always with the end users in mind. A flood resilient structure was required but it was also a school, therefore the style and design of the layout of the building was adapted to suit the requirements of the school whilst still staying true to the green element of the construction. The end result being a new Primary School produced using modern methods of construction but which suits the end user’s needs perfectly.
Value Award – Birse Civils for their Humber Package
This project involved implementing six new flood defence schemes around the Humber Estuary to provide protection for over 11,000 properties. It was felt by the judges that the project had been well managed with close collaboration between all members of the team, sharing best practice & knowledge to achieve a common goal. It was clear from the testimonials from residents affected by the works that their needs had been considered throughout and had been a key driver for the project. Through willingness to work as an integrated team the project was delivered under budget and on time, therefore it was clear to see the value and benefits to all involved.
Health and Safety Award – Henry Boot Construction Ltd
It was felt by the judges that Henry Boot Construction demonstrated a clear commitment to Health & Safety throughout their operations. The forward thinking approach to Health & safety is implemented & managed at all levels of the business and includes a commitment to the ‘up skill’ of all employees via sign up to ‘The Skills Pledge’; the use of bespoke Risk Assessment software and also includes working with the HSE on new initiatives.
The Achiever Award – Rob Wolfe – Director, Construction Yorkshire.
Rob Wolfe only came into the construction industry within the last 10 years and over that period of time has quickly gained a reputation for making a difference – both locally and regionally. He has a vision as to how ‘real’ social responsibility can be delivered into the construction industry and more importantly he hasthe passion to make things happen. The results speak for themselves:- nearly 200 new jobs created in the industry, creation of nearly 70 new businesses in the region and provision of support to nearly 130 construction businesses – all achieved during one of the worst recessions to hit the industry!! The judges believe Rob is a true ambassador for construction best practice!!
The Young Achiever Award – Catherine Fay – Project Coordinator, Construction Yorkshire.
Catherine Fay has less than 12 months experience within the industry but in this short space of time has had a significant affect on the projects she has worked on. Particularly with regard to Corporate Social Responsibility. Her success lies in the relationships she has forged with individuals which in turn has enabled positive change to those organisations in which she and they work. The judges were very impressed with the number of significant achievements made in such a short space of time and they wish Catherine all the success she deserves for her future in the construction industry.
Project of the Year Award – Birse Civils – Humber Package
The winning project team must have shown the highest level of technical achievement, innovation and application of best practice, while delivering a project to time and budget and with team working throughout the supply chain. Our winner could have been selected from winners of the earlier categories or may be a project or organisation that has displayed excellence across a number of categories.
Birse Civils has provided best practice across a number of categories. The winning project carried out by them was very complex and varied in nature. It included many stakeholders of different backgrounds and required close collaboration, team spirit, commitment and above all technical excellence. The judges were unanimous in awarding the Project of the Year to Birse Civils.
There was also a surprise Champagne Award. The judges felt that one of the submissions received didn’t quite fit the requirements of any category, but at the same time felt that an award of some description was need to recognise the shear ingenuity of the design and the fact that it could be developed beyond the construction industry.
The design, which is called ‘Greenhoard’, is the first 100% recyclable hoarding system to be used on construction sites; reducing carbon footprint and the environmental impact of the works (Zero waste to landfill).
The Champagne Moment Award went to the manufacturer of Greenhoard, Fast Fence.
Thanks to everyone who attended the event, to our judges and to everyone involved in the organisation. Especially Hannah Oldfield and Liz May who both received flowers on the evening to thank them for their efforts. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and to all of our winners.
We will be updating our website with case studies from the winning and shortlisted projects over the next few weeks, so please do pop back and find out all about them.
